Insole for sport footwear

ABSTRACT

There is provided an insole for a sport footwear, the insole comprises: a forefoot portion comprising an incliner, wherein a thickness of an inner side of the forefoot portion is greater than a thickness of an outer side of the forefoot portion; a midfoot portion having an arch extending from an underside of the insole; and a rearfoot portion comprising an incliner, wherein a thickness of an inner side of the rearfoot portion is greater than a thickness of an outer side of the rearfoot portion; and wherein at least one of the forefoot portion, the midfoot portion and the rearfoot portion comprises an upper surface having an upward inclination of about 2° to about 9° along a path from the outer side of the insole to the inner side of the insole and perpendicular to a lengthwise axis of the insole.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority on U.S. 62/181,992 filed on Jun. 19, 2015, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates an insole for sport footwear. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an insole for inclining a foot of a wearer or promoting supination of a foot of a wearer. For example, the present disclosure relates to an insole having a 2° to about 9° upward incline and/or causing a 2° to about 9° supination of a wearer's foot.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Insoles for footwear to be worn for walking or running are typically intended to providing a flat foot bed. Such insoles aim to correct under or over pronating or supinating of the foot when carrying out a walking or running motion. Providing a flat foot bed may help a wearer's posture, reduce risk of injury and/or reduce uneven wear of the footwear. However, such insoles may not be well-suited for sports or activities that require a motion of the foot and/or leg that does not closely resemble a walking or running motion.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

It would thus be highly desirable to be provided with an apparatus or a method that would at least partially solve one of the problems previously mentioned or that would be an alternative to the existing technologies.

According to one aspect, there is provided an insole for a sport footwear, the insole comprising a forefoot portion comprising an incliner for inclining a foot of a wearer towards an outer side of the insole, a midfoot portion having an arch extending from an underside of the insole, and a rearfoot portion comprising an incliner for inclining the foot of the wearer towards the outer side of the insole, and wherein at least one of the forefoot portion, the midfoot portion and the rearfoot portion comprises an upper surface having an upward inclination of about 2° to about 9° along a path from an outer side of the insole to the inner side of the insole and perpendicular to a lengthwise axis of the insole.

According to another aspect, there is provided an insole for a sport footwear, the insole comprising a forefoot portion comprising an incliner for causing an about 2° to about 9° supination of a foot of a wearer, a midfoot portion having an arch extending from an underside of the insole, and a rearfoot portion comprising an incliner for causing an about 2° to about 9° supination of the foot of the wearer.

According to yet another aspect, there is provided an insole for a sport footwear, the insole comprising a forefoot portion comprising an incliner, wherein a thickness of an inner side of the forefoot portion is greater than a thickness of an outer side of the forefoot portion, a midfoot portion having an arch extending from an underside of the insole, and a rearfoot portion comprising an incliner, wherein a thickness of an inner side of the rearfoot portion is greater than a thickness of an outer side of the rearfoot portion, and wherein at least one of the forefoot portion, the midfoot portion and the rearfoot portion comprises an upper surface having an upward inclination of about 2° to about 9° along a path from an outer side of the insole to the inner side of the insole and perpendicular to a lengthwise axis of the insole.

According to yet another aspect, there is provided an insole for sport footwear, the insole comprising a forefoot portion being partially tapered from an inner side of the insole towards an outer side of the insole, a midfoot portion having an arch extending from an underside of the insole, a thickness of an inner side of the midfoot portion being greater than a thickness of an outer side of the midfoot portion, and a rearfoot portion being partially tapered from the inner side of the insole towards the outer side of the insole, and wherein at least one of the forefoot portion, the midfoot portion and the rearfoot portion comprises an upper surface having an upward inclination of about 2° to about 9° along a path from an outer side of the insole to the inner side of the insole and perpendicular to a lengthwise axis of the insole.

According to yet another aspect, there is provided An insole for an ice skate, the insole comprising a forefoot portion comprising an incliner for inclining a foot of a wearer towards an outer side of the insole, a midfoot portion having an arch extending from an underside of the insole, and a rearfoot portion comprising an incliner for inclining the foot of the wearer towards the outer side of the insole, and wherein at least one of the forefoot portion, the midfoot portion and the rearfoot portion comprises an upper surface having an upward inclination of about 2° to about 9° along a path from an outer side of the insole to the inner side of the insole and perpendicular to a lengthwise axis of the insole.

According to yet another aspect, there is provided an insole for an ice skate, the insole comprising a forefoot portion comprising an incliner for causing an about 2° to about 9° supination of a foot of a wearer, a midfoot portion having an arch extending from an underside of the insole, and a rearfoot portion comprising an incliner for causing an about 2° to about 9° supination of the foot of the wearer.

According to yet another aspect, there is provided insole for a an ice skate, the insole comprising a forefoot portion comprising an incliner, wherein a thickness of an inner side of the forefoot portion is greater than a thickness of an outer side of the forefoot portion, a midfoot portion having an arch extending from an underside of the insole, and a rearfoot portion comprising an incliner, wherein a thickness of an inner side of the rearfoot portion is greater than a thickness of an outer side of the rearfoot portion and wherein at least one of the forefoot portion, the midfoot portion and the rearfoot portion comprises an upper surface having an upward inclination of about 2° to about 9° along a path from an outer side of the insole to the inner side of the insole and perpendicular to a lengthwise axis of the insole.

According to yet another aspect, there is provided an insole for an ice skate, the insole comprising a forefoot portion being partially tapered from an inner side of the insole towards an outer side of the insole, a midfoot portion having an arch extending from an underside of the insole, a thickness of an inner side of the midfoot portion being greater than a thickness of an outer side of the midfoot portion and a rearfoot portion being partially tapered from the inner side of the insole towards the outer side of the insole, and wherein at least one of the forefoot portion, the midfoot portion and the rearfoot portion comprises an upper surface having an upward inclination of about 2° to 9° along a path from an outer side of the insole to the inner side of the insole and perpendicular to a lengthwise axis of the insole.

According to yet another aspect, there is provided an insole for an ice skate, the insole comprising a forefoot portion being partially tapered from an inner side of the insole towards an outer side of the insole for causing a 2° to 9° supination of a foot of a wearer, a midfoot portion having an arch extending from an underside of the insole, a thickness of an inner side of the midfoot portion being greater than a thickness of an outer side of the midfoot portion, and a rearfoot portion being partially tapered from the inner side of the insole towards the outer side of the insole a 2° to 9°.

According to yet another aspect, there is provided an insole for a sport footwear, the insole comprising an insole body having a footprint shape and an upper surface of the insole body having an upward inclination of about 2° to about 9° along a path from an outer side of the insole to the inner side of the insole and perpendicular to a lengthwise axis of the insole.

According to yet another aspect, there is provided an insole for a sport footwear, the insole comprising an insole body having an inclined upper surface for causing an about 2° to about 9° supination of a foot of a wearer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings represent examples that are presented in a non-limitative manner.

FIG. 1A illustrates a top view of an insole according to various exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 1B illustrates a top view of an insole according to various exemplary embodiments showing gradient vectors;

FIG. 1C illustrates a perspective view of an insole according to various exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom view of an insole according to various exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 3 illustrates an elevation view of a front side of an insole according to various exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 4 illustrates an elevation view of an inner side of an insole according to various exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 5 illustrates an elevation view of a rear side of an insole according to various exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 6 illustrates an elevation view of an outer side of an insole according to various exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 7 illustrates an elevation view of an inner side of an insole according to various exemplary embodiments placed in an upside-down orientation;

FIG. 8 illustrates an elevation view of an outer side of an insole according to various exemplary embodiments placed in an upside-down orientation;

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of an insole according to various exemplary embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The following examples are presented in a non-limitative manner.

It has been observed that when a person is participating in particular types of sports, the movement of a person's leg and/or feet will be different from the leg and/or feet movement of a typical walking/running action. In a typical walking/running action, a person's knee makes a circular motion. For example, in a walking/running action, the foot reaches a supination stance at the arch and subsequently rolls towards the big toe, thereby forming the circular motion.

By contrast, it may be beneficial in some sports for the person's knee to move in a substantially linear (substantially non-circular) manner. These sports include skating, alpine skiing and cross-country skiing. For example, these sports often require the person to balance his or her weight on a single leg. This balancing is facilitated when the knee maintains a substantially linear movement. In such sports, the circular motion made during walking/running may be undesirable, and participants in these sports overtie their footwear so as to reduce or prevent the flex that would result in the undesirable circular motion. For example, making the circular motion would cause the participant to lose their balance.

It has been further observed that linear motion of the knee and balancing on a single leg is further facilitated when at least one foot of the person is inclined outwardly. In inclining thusly, the body weight of the person is also shifted outwardly, which improves balance. For example, the center of mass/gravity of the person is aligned with the person's grounded foot.

The expression “front” as used herein with respect to an insole or a foot refers to a region that generally corresponds to the toes or forefoot direction of the foot when the wearer's foot is received in the insole.

The expression “rear” as used herein with respect to an insole or a foot refers to a region that generally corresponds to the heel or rearfoot direction of the foot when the wearer's foot is received in the insole.

The expression “inner side” as used herein with respect to an insole refers to a region that generally corresponds to the inner side of the foot (ex: hallux, medial cuneiform, etc.) when the foot is received in the insole.

The expression “outer side” as used herein with respect to an insole refers to a region that generally corresponds to the outer side of the foot (ex: fifth phalanx, fifth metatarsal, cuboid) when the wearer's foot is received in the insole.

The expression “taper” or variants thereof as used herein with respect to an insole or portions thereof refers to a decreasing thickness of the insole or the portions thereof. For example, when tapering from a position A to a position B, the thickness decreases from the position A to the position B.

The expression “supinate” or variants thereof as used herein refers to the movement of the foot in which the foot rolls outward with an elevated arch.

For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the incliner of the forefoot portion comprises an at least partially tapered portion from an inner side of the insole towards an outer side of the insole.

For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the at least partially tapered portion of the forefoot portion is spaced apart from a front end of the insole.

For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the at least partially tapered portion of the forefoot portion extends from the inner side of the insole to a location intermediate the inner side and the outer side.

For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the incliner of the forefoot portion comprises a wedge provided on an underside of the insole proximate to an inner side of the insole.

For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the wedge is tapered towards an outer side of the insole.

For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the wedge is further tapered towards the front end of the insole.

For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the wedge is integrally formed within the underside of the insole.

For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the wedge is connected to the underside of the insole.

For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, a thickness of a proximal hallux portion of the forefoot portion is greater than a thickness of a distal hallux portion of the forefoot portion.

For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, a thickness of a distal hallux portion of the forefoot portion is substantially equal to a thickness of a distal fifth phalanx portion of the forefoot portion.

For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the arch defines a recess on the underside of the insole, the recess extending from the inner side to a second location intermediate the inner side and the outer side.

For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the recess is adapted to receive a protruding arch of the sport footwear.

For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, a height of a first metatarsal portion of the midfoot portion is greater than a height of a fifth metatarsal portion of the midfoot portion.

For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, a height of a first metatarsal portion, a height of a second metatarsal portion and a height of a third metatarsal portion are each greater than a height of a fifth metatarsal portion of the midfoot portion.

For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the height of the inner side of the midfoot portion is greater than a height of an inner side of the forefoot portion.

For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, a thickness of an inner side of the rearfoot portion is greater than a thickness of a hallux portion of the forefoot portion.

For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the incliner of the rearfoot portion comprises an at least partially tapered portion from an inner side of the insole towards an outer side of the insole.

For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, an outer side of the rearfoot portion is tapered from a rear end of the insole towards the front end of the insole.

For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the incliner of the rearfoot portion comprises a wedge provided on an underside of the insole proximate to an inner side of the insole.

For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the wedge is tapered towards an outer side of the insole.

For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the wedge is further tapered towards the front end of the insole.

For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, wherein the wedge is integrally formed within the underside of the insole.

For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the wedge is connected to the underside of the insole.

For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, wherein the sport footwear is a skate.

For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the sport footwear is an ice skate.

For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the ice skate is chosen from a figure skate, a hockey skate, and a speed skate.

For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the sport footwear is a chosen from a running shoe, a hiking boot, an alpine ski boot, a cross-country ski boot and a skate.

For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the recess is adapted to receive a protruding arch of the ice skate.

For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the upper surface has an upward inclination of about 4° to about 8° along the path from the outer side of the insole to the inner side of the insole and perpendicular to the lengthwise axis of the insole.

For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the upper surface has an upward inclination of about 6° to about 7° along the path from the outer side of the insole to the inner side of the insole and perpendicular to the lengthwise axis of the insole.

For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, each of the forefoot portion, the midfoot portion and the rearfoot portion has the upper surface having the upward inclination of about 2° to about 9° along the path from the outer side of the insole to the inner side of the insole and perpendicular to a lengthwise axis of the insole.

For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the incliner of the forefoot portion and the incliner of the rearfoot portion cause an about 4° to about 8° of the foot of the wearer.

For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the incliner of the forefoot portion and the incliner of the rearfoot portion cause an about 6° to about 7° of the foot of the wearer.

For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the upper surface of the insole body has an average upward inclination of about 2° to about 9° along the path from an outer side of the insole to the inner side of the insole and perpendicular to the lengthwise axis of the insole.

For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the upper surface has an upward inclination of about 4° to about 8° along the path from the outer side of the insole to the inner side of the insole and perpendicular to the lengthwise axis of the insole.

For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the upper surface has an upward inclination of about 6° to about 7° along the path from the outer side of the insole to the inner side of the insole and perpendicular to the lengthwise axis of the insole.

For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the upward inclination extends continuously from a front of the insole to a rear of the insole.

For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the upward inclination corresponds to a value of an angle formed between a vector tangent to the upper surface of the insole body and an underlying plane supporting the insole.

For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the underlying plane is an inner surface of a sole of the sport footwear.

For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the insole body comprises an upper layer having a substantially uniform thickness and at least one wedge member supporting the upper layer, the at least one wedge member being tapered from an outer side of the insole to an inner side of the insole.

For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the at least one wedge member has a recess formed therein, the recess defining an inverted arch.

For example, according to insoles of the present disclosure, the upper surface of the insole body causes an about 2° to about 9° inclination of a foot of a wearer.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 1B simultaneously, therein illustrated is a top view of an insole 100 according to various exemplary embodiments. The insole 100 includes an insole body 104 having a footprint shape, as illustrated. The insole may be divided into a forefoot portion 108, midfoot portion 116 and rearfoot portion 124. The insole 100 is generally shaped according to the shape of a wearer's foot and can be disposed over the bottom interior surface of a footwear item.

FIG. 1B illustrates a plurality of gradient vectors at various points on the interior surface 104 of the insole 100. As is well known in the art, each gradient vector has a direction component and a magnitude component, which denote respectively the direction and magnitude of the steepest slope at a point (i.e. direction of the greatest rate of increase and the magnitude of the increase). For example, a drop of water at given point on the interior surface 104 would flow downwardly in a direction opposite to the gradient vector corresponding to that point. The speed of the flow of that drop of water would further correspond to the magnitude of the corresponding gradient vector.

Referring now to FIG. 1C, therein illustrated is a perspective view of the insole 100 according to various exemplary embodiments. A longitudinal axis 106 of the insole 100 extends between a hallux portion and a center of the heel 244 of the insole 100. A plurality of lateral vectors 107 that are each perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 106 is also defined. Each vector 107 resides within a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 106. It will be understood that different vectors 107 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 1C reside in different planes that are each perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 106.

The lateral vectors 107 correspond to orientations of an upper surface 156 of the insole 100 in planes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 106.

For example, lateral vectors 107 may each define a tangent to the upper surface 156.

Alternatively, the lateral vectors 107 may each define an average of the orientations of the tangents to the upper surface 156 along a path from the inner side 132 to the outer side 140 of the insole 100 within a plane that is perpendicular to the lengthwise axis 106.

Alternatively, the lateral vectors 107 may each define a vector extending between an intersection of the upper surface 156 with the outer side 140 to an intersection of the upper surface 156 with inner side 132, each intersection being within the same plane that is perpendicular to the lengthwise axis 106.

The lateral vectors 107 define an upward inclination of the upper surface of the insole body 104 along a path from the outer side 140 to the inner side 132 within a plane perpendicular to the lengthwise axis 106.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the upper surface 156 has an upward inclination of about 2° to about 9° along this path from the outer side 140 to the inner side 130 within a plane perpendicular to the lengthwise axis 106. That is, each lateral vector 107 according to various definitions provided herein forms an angle 112 with an underlying plane vector 110. For each given lateral vector 107, its corresponding underlying plane vector 110 is the intersection between the underlying plane supporting the insole 100 and the plane perpendicular to the lengthwise axis 106 in which the given lateral vector 107 resides. The angle 112 formed between a given lateral vector 107 and its corresponding underlying plane vector 110 is between about 2° to about 9°. It will be understood that various angles shown in the figures are for illustrative purposes and may show angles 112 that are greater than between about 2° to about 9°

When the insole 100 is positioned within a sport footwear, the underlying plane supporting the insole 100 will be the inner surface of the sole of the sport footwear.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the upward inclination of the upper surface 156 with respect to the underlying plane supporting it (i.e. angle 112) is between about 4° to about 8°.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the upward inclination of the upper surface 156 with respect to the underlying plane supporting it (i.e. angle 112) is between about 6° to about 8°.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the upward inclination within the ranges disclosed herein extends continuously from a front 164 to a rear 224 of the insole 100. That is, for any given point on the lengthwise axis 106, a plane that includes the given point and is perpendicular to the lengthwise axis 106 will have a lateral vector 107 and underlying plane vector 110 that form an angle 112 falling within the range of about 2° to about 9° or other ranges disclosed herein.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the insole body 104 includes an upper layer having a substantially uniform thickness. The upper layer may have a high friction surface to restrict sliding of a wearer's foot. The insole body further includes at least one wedge member supporting the upper layer. The at least one wedge member is tapered from an outer side of the insole to an inner side of the insole. The tapered shape of the wedge member provides the upward inclination of the upper surface 156 of the insole 100. The at least one wedge member may further have a recessed formed therein, which defines an inverted arch.

When the insole 100 is disposed on a bottom interior surface of a footwear item and a wearer's foot is positioned over the insole 100, the upward inclination of the upper surface 156 causes the wearer's foot to have an about 2° to about 9° supination. For example, when the foot has this amount of supination, the tibia of the wearer is oriented vertically or outwardly. For example, when each of the wearer's feet are positioned over respective insoles 100, the left and right tibia of the wearer are oriented vertically or away from one another.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the upward inclination of the upper surface 156 causes the wearer's foot to have an about 4° to about 8° supination.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the upward inclination of the upper surface 156 causes the wearer's foot to have an about 6° to about 7° supination.

It has been observed that an amount of supination whereby the wearer's tibia is oriented vertically or outwardly assists the wearer in maintaining balance on one foot only. This assistance may be beneficial in various activities and sports where balance on one foot is required, such as skating, skiing, etc.

It has been further observed that where as a user's knee would typically have a circular motion with respect to the ground when running or walking, maintaining a vertical or outward orientation of the tibia causes the knee to have a substantially linear movement. This linear movement is further beneficial for certain activities and sports, such as skating, skiing, etc.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the forefoot portion 108 includes a first incliner. The first incliner provides a varying thickness of the forefoot portion 108. For example, a thickness of an inner side 132 of the forefoot portion 108 is greater than a thickness of an outer side 140 of the forefoot portion 108. When the insole 100 is disposed on a bottom interior surface of a footwear item and a wearer's foot is positioned over the insole 100, the varying thickness of the first incliner causes the wearer's foot and leg to be inclined outwardly towards the outer side 140 of the insole 100. The first incliner promotes supination of the foot of the wearer. For example, when the foot is inclined in this way or in the supination position, the tibia of the wearer is also oriented vertically or outwardly. For example, when each of the wearer's feet are positioned over respective insoles 100, the left and right tibia of the wearer are oriented vertically or away from one another.

The incliner may cause the forefoot portion 108 to have an upward inclination of about 2° to about 9° along a path from an outer side 140 of the insole to the inner side 132 of the insole and perpendicular to a lengthwise axis 106. That is, within a plane located in the forefoot portion 108 and perpendicular to the lengthwise axis 106, the upper surface of the forefoot portion 108 has the upward inclination of about 2° to about 9°.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the forefoot portion 108 may have an upward inclination of about 4° to about 8° along the path from an outer side 140 of the insole to the inner side 132 of the insole and perpendicular to a lengthwise axis 106.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the forefoot portion 108 may have an upward inclination of about 6° to about 7° along the path from an outer side 140 of the insole to the inner side 132 of the insole and perpendicular to a lengthwise axis 106.

The inclined forefoot portion 108 may cause an about 2° to about 9° supination of a foot of a wearer placed above the insole 100.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the inclined forefoot portion 108 may cause an about 4° to about 8° of the foot of the wearer.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the inclined forefoot portion 108 may cause an about 6° to about 7° of the foot of the wearer.

The rearfoot portion 124 includes a second incliner. The second incliner provides a varying thickness of the rearfoot portion 124. For example, a thickness of an inner side 132 of the rearfoot portion 124 is greater than a thickness of an outer side 140 of rearfoot portion 124. When the insole 100 is disposed on a bottom interior surface of a footwear item and a wearer's foot is positioned over the insole 100, the varying thickness of the second incliner causes the wearer's foot to be inclined outwardly towards the outer side 140 of the insole 100. The second incliner promotes supination of the foot of the wearer. For example, when the foot is inclined in this way or in the supination position, the tibia of the wearer is also oriented vertically or outwardly. For example, when each of the wearer's feet is positioned over respective insoles 100, the left and right tibia of the wearer are oriented vertically or away from one another.

The incliner may cause the rearfoot portion 124 to have an upward inclination of about 2° to about 9° along a path from an outer side 140 of the insole to the inner side 132 of the insole and perpendicular to a lengthwise axis 106. That is, within a plane located in the rearfoot portion 124 and perpendicular to the lengthwise axis 106, the upper surface of the rearfoot portion 124 has the upward inclination of about 2° to about 9°.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the rearfoot portion 124 may have an upward inclination of about 4° to about 8° along the path from an outer side 140 of the insole to the inner side 132 of the insole and perpendicular to a lengthwise axis 106.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the rearfoot portion 124 may have an upward inclination of about 6° to about 7° along the path from an outer side 140 of the insole to the inner side 132 of the insole and perpendicular to a lengthwise axis 106.

The inclined rearfoot portion 124 may cause an about 2° to about 9° supination of a foot of a wearer placed above the insole 100.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the inclined rearfoot portion 124 may cause an about 4° to about 8° of the foot of the wearer.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the inclined rearfoot portion 124 may cause an about 6° to about 7° of the foot of the wearer.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the first incliner of the forefoot portion includes an at least partially tapered portion being tapered from the inner side 132 of the insole 100 towards the outer side 140 of the insole 100. As a result of the at least partially tapered portion, the thickness of a region of the forefoot portion 108 near its inner side 132 is greater than the thickness of a region of the forefoot portion 108 near its outer side 140.

Referring now to FIG. 3, therein illustrated is a front elevation view of the insole 100 according to various exemplary embodiments. When placed on a flat underlying surface, the incliner of the forefoot portion 108 causes a height above the underlying surface of a region of the top surface 156 corresponding to the region of the forefoot portion 108 near its inner side 132 to be greater than a height above the underlying surface of a region of the top surface 156 corresponding to the region of the forefoot portion 108 near its outer side 140.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the at least partially tapered portion of the forefoot portion 108 is spaced apart from a front end 164 of the insole 100. Accordingly a thickness of the forefoot portion 108 at its inner side 132 at a location spaced apart from the front end 164 is greater than a thickness of the forefoot portion 108 at its front end 164. For example, when the insole 100 is disposed on a bottom interior surface of footwear item and a wearer's foot is positioned over the insole 100, this difference in thickness causes the wearer's foot to also be slightly inclined towards the front end 164. This forward inclination of the foot further promotes linear movement of the wearer's knee.

For example, the at least partially tapered portion of the forefoot portion 108 extends in a side-to-side direction from the inner side 132 of the insole 100 to a location intermediate the inner side 132 and the outer side 140. Accordingly, a thickness of the forefoot portion 108 gradually decreases from the inner side 132 to the location intermediate the inner side 132 and the outer side 140 corresponding to an edge of the at least partially tapered portion. A thickness of the forefoot portion 108 from the edge of the at least partially tapered portion to the outer side 140 may be substantially constant.

According to various exemplary embodiments, a thickness of proximal hallux portion 172 of the forefoot portion 108 is greater than a thickness of the distal hallux portion 180 of the forefoot portion 108. For example, the at least partially tapered portion of the forefoot portion 108 may at least partially extend into (i.e. partially overlap with) the proximal hallux portion 172 of the forefoot portion 108 while being spaced apart from the distal hallux portion 180. For example, when the insole 100 is disposed on a bottom interior surface of footwear item and a wearer's foot is positioned over the insole 100, this difference in thickness between the proximal hallux portion 172 and distal hallux portion 180 causes the wearer's foot to also be slightly inclined towards the front end 164.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the thickness of the distal hallux portion 180 is substantially equal to at least a distal fifth phalanx portion 188 of the forefoot portion 108. For example, the thickness of distal portions of the second to fifth phalanges may be substantially equal. For example, a thickness of the front end 164 of the insole 100 corresponding to the distal ends of the five toes of a wearer's foot placed over the insole may be substantially equal. For example, by having substantially equal thickness for the distal ends of toes of the wearer, a flat position of the front ends of the toes of the wearer's foot is promoted.

Referring now to FIG. 2 to FIG. 4, the incliner of the forefoot portion 108 includes a wedge 196 provided on an underside 204 of the insole proximate to an inner side 132 of the insole 100. As shown in FIG. 2, a front edge 212 of the wedge 196 may be spaced apart from a front end 164 of the insole 100. As shown in FIG. 2, a longitudinal edge 220 of the wedge 196 may be spaced apart from the outer side 140 of the insole 100. For example, the wedge 196 may be tapered from the inner side 132 of the insole 100 towards the outer side 140 and its longitudinal edge 220. For example, the wedge 196 may be further tapered towards the front end 164 of the insole and its front edge 212. For example, the combination of the tapering of the wedge 196 towards the front end 164 and outer side 140 provides a gradual decrease of the thickness of the forefoot portion 108 towards the front and outer sides of the insole 100.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the wedge 196 is integrally formed with the underside 204 of the insole 100. For example, where the insole 100 is fabricated by molding, the molding may include a recess corresponding to the wedge 196 so that the insole member formed from the molding includes the wedge 196.

According to various alternative exemplary embodiments, the wedge 196 is connected to the underside 204 of the insole 100. For example, the wedge 196 and the insole 100 may be discrete members being connected together.

Continuing with FIGS. 2 to 4, the insole 100, the arch 148 is shown to extend from an underside 204 of the insole. For example, the position of the arch 148 corresponds to an arch of the wearer's foot. For example, the arch 148 can define a recess 228 in the underside of the insole 100. The recess 228 may extend from the inner side 132 towards the outer side 140 to a second location 236 intermediate the inner side 132 and the outer side 140. The recess 228 may be shaped according to a midfoot protruding arch of the sport footwear in which the insole 100 is to be inserted. For example, when inserted into the sport footwear and disposed over the bottom interior surface thereof, the midfoot protruding arch may be received within the recess 228 and at least the arch 148 of the midfoot portion 116 is supported by the protruding arch of the footwear.

As described above, the arch 148 causes a portion of the top side 156 of the midfoot portion 116 to be raised with respect to the forefoot portion 108 and rearfoot portion 124. For example, when the insole 100 is placed over a flat underlying surface, a region of the midfoot portion 116 proximate the inner side 132 of the insole 100 can have a greater height above the underlying surface than the height above the underlying surface of a region of the midfoot portion 116 proximate the outer side 140 of the insole 100. Accordingly, the height of the topside 156 of the midfoot portion 116 relative to the underlying surface may be gradually decreasing in a direction from the inner side 132 towards the outer side 140. When the insole 100 is disposed on an inner bottom surface of a footwear item and a wearer's foot is positioned over the insole 100, the gradually decreasing height of the topside 156 promotes outwardly inclination and/or supination of the wearer's foot.

For example, a height of a first metatarsal portion of the midfoot portion 116 is greater than a height of a fifth metatarsal portion of the midfoot portion 116.

For example, a height of a first metatarsal portion, a height of a second metatarsal portion, and a thickness of a third metatarsal portion of the midfoot portion are each greater than a height of the fifth metatarsal portion of the midfoot portion 116.

According to various exemplary embodiments, a height of a region of the topside 156 of the insole 100 proximate the inner side 132 of the midfoot portion 116 is greater than the height of a region of the topside 156 of the insole 100 proximate the inner side 132 of the forefoot portion 108. For example, when the insole 100 is disposed on an inner bottom surface of footwear item and a wearer's foot is positioned over the insole 100, this difference in height between the inner side 132 of the forefoot portion 108 and the inner side of the midfoot portion 116 causes the wearer's foot to also be slightly inclined towards the front end 164.

The arch 148 may cause the midfoot portion 116 to have an upward inclination of about 2° to about 9° along a path from an outer side 140 of the insole to the inner side 132 of the insole and perpendicular to a lengthwise axis 106. That is, within a plane located in the midfoot portion 116 and perpendicular to the lengthwise axis 106, the upper surface of the midfoot portion 116 has the upward inclination of about 2° to about 9°.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the midfoot portion 116 may have an upward inclination of about 4° to about 8° along the path from an outer side 140 of the insole to the inner side 132 of the insole and perpendicular to a lengthwise axis 106.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the midfoot portion 116 may have an upward inclination of about 6° to about 7° along the path from an outer side 140 of the insole to the inner side 132 of the insole and perpendicular to a lengthwise axis 106.

The inclined midfoot portion 116 may cause an about 2° to about 9° supination of a foot of a wearer placed above the insole 100.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the midfoot portion 116 may cause an about 4° to about 8° of the foot of the wearer.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the midfoot portion 116 may cause an about 6° to about 7° of the foot of the wearer.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the second incliner of the rearfoot portion 124 includes an at least partially tapered portion being tapered from the inner side 132 of the insole 100 towards an outer side 140 of the insole 100. As a result of the at least partially tapered portion, the thickness of a region of the rearfoot portion 124 near its inner side 132 is greater than the thickness of a region of the rearfoot portion 124 near its outer side 140.

Referring now to FIG. 5, therein illustrated a rear elevation view of the insole 100 according to various exemplary embodiments. When placed on a flat underlying surface, the second incliner of the rearfoot portion 124 causes a thickness of a region of the rearfoot portion 124 near its inner side 132 to be greater than thickness of a region of the rearfoot portion 124 near its outer side 140.

According to various exemplary embodiments, at least a region of the tapered portion of the rearfoot portion 124 proximate the rear end 244 of the insole extends continuously from the inner side 132 to the outer side 140.

According to various alternative exemplary embodiments, the at least partially tapered portion of the rearfoot portion 124 extends in a side-to-side direction from the inner side 132 of the insole 100 to a location intermediate the inner side 132 and the outerside 140. Accordingly, a thickness of the rearfoot portion 124 gradually decreases from the inner side 132 to the location intermediate the inner side 132 and the outer side 140 corresponding to an edge of the at least partially tapered portion of the second incliner of the rearfoot portion 124.

Referring now to FIG. 6, therein illustrated is a side elevation view of an outer side of the insole 100 according to various exemplary embodiments. For example, and as illustrated in FIG. 6, at least a region of the tapered portion of the rearfoot portion 124 proximate the outer side 140 of the insole may be further tapered from the rear end 244 of the insole 100 towards the front end 164 of the insole 100. Accordingly, when the insole 100 is disposed on a bottom interior surface of a footwear item and a wearer's foot is positioned over the insole 100, the forward tapering of the outer side 140 of the second incliner 252 of the rearfoot portion 124 promotes the forward inclination of the outside of the foot, which further promotes linear movement of the wearer's knee.

Referring back to FIG. 4, according to various exemplary embodiments, a region of the rearfoot portion 124 proximate the inner side 132 of the insole 100 and extending from the rear end 244 to the midfoot portion 116 may have a substantially constant thickness.

Continuing with FIG. 4, according to various exemplary embodiments, a thickness of a region of the rearfoot portion 124 proximate the rear end 244 of the insole 100 is greater than a hallux portion of the forefoot portion 108. For example, this region of the rearfoot portion 124 corresponds to a calcaneus of the wearer's foot. Accordingly, when the insole 100 is disposed on an inner bottom surface of a footwear item and a wearer's foot is positioned over the insole 100, the difference in thickness behind the region of the rearfoot portion 124 and the hallux portion of the forefoot portion 108 promotes the forward inclination of the outside of the foot, which further promotes linear movement of the wearer's knee.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the incliner of the rearfoot portion 124 includes a second wedge provided on an underside 204 of the insole 100 proximate to an inner side of the insole 100. For example, the second wedge may be tapered from the inner side 132 of the insole 100 towards the outer side 140.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the second wedge of the second incliner of the rearfoot portion is integrally formed with the underside 204 of the insole 100. For example, where the insole 100 is fabricated by molding, the molding may include a second recess corresponding to the second wedge so that the insole member formed from the molding includes the second wedge of the incliner of the rearfoot portion 124.

According to various alternative exemplary embodiments, the second wedge is connected to the underside 204 of the insole 100. For example, the second wedge and the insole 100 may be discrete members being connected together.

FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 illustrate an elevation view of an inner side of an insole placed in an upside-down orientation, an elevation view of an outer side of an insole placed in an upside-down orientation and a perspective view of an insole according to various exemplary embodiments.

While the above has been described generally with respect to sport footwear, it will appreciated that the insole can be adapted for specific types of sports footwear. In particular those footwear for sports where balancing on one leg is required and/or linear movement of the knee of the balancing leg is beneficial.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the insole 100 is for sport footwear that is an ice skate, such as for figure skating, hockey, or speed skating.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the insole 100 is for sport footwear that is an ice hockey skate.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the insole 100 is for sport footwear that is a roller skate.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the insole 100 is for sport footwear that is a boot for downhill skiing.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the insole 100 is for sport footwear that is a boot for cross-country skiing.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the insole 100 is for sport footwear that is a shoe for cycling.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the insole 100 is for sport footwear that is a shoe for golfing.

According to various exemplary embodiments, the insole 100 is for sport footwear that is a springed boot, such as a Kangoo™ boot.

The embodiments of paragraphs [0016] to [00152] of the present disclosure are presented in such a manner in the present disclosure so as to demonstrate that every combinations of embodiments, when applicable can be made. These embodiments have thus been presented in the description in a manner equivalent to making dependent claims for all the embodiments that depend upon any of the preceding claims (covering the previously presented embodiments), thereby demonstrating that they can be combined together in all possible manners. For example, all the possible combination, when applicable, between the embodiments of paragraphs [0016] to [00152] and the processes of paragraphs [0005] to [0015] are hereby covered by the present disclosure.

The person skilled in the art would understand that the various properties or features presented in a given embodiment can be added and/or used, when applicable, to any other embodiment covered by the general scope of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure has been described with regard to specific examples. The description was intended to help the understanding of the disclosure, rather than to limit its scope. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure as described herein, and such modifications are intended to be covered by the present document. 

1. An insole for a sport footwear, the insole comprising: a forefoot portion comprising a forefoot incliner for inclining a foot of a wearer in a position wherein an outer side of the foot is lower than an inner side of the foot, wherein a front end of the forefoot portion is dimensioned to be placed beneath a distal end of toes of the wearer wearing the insole; a midfoot portion having a longitudinal arch comprised within an underside of the insole, the arch defining a recess on the underside of the insole, the recess extending laterally from the inner side of the insole to a second location intermediate the inner side of the insole and the outer side of the insole; and a rearfoot portion comprising a rearfoot incliner for inclining the foot of the wearer in the position wherein the outer side of the foot is lower than the inner side of the foot; and wherein each of the forefoot portion, the midfoot portion and the rearfoot portion comprises an upper surface having an upward inclination of about 2° to about 9° along a path from the outer side to an inner side of the foot and perpendicular to a lengthwise axis of the insole.
 2. The insole of claim 1, wherein the upper surface has an upward inclination of about 4° to about 8° along the path from the outer side to the inner side and perpendicular to the lengthwise axis of the insole.
 3. The insole of claim 1, wherein the upper surface has an upward inclination of about 6° to about 7° along the path from the outer side to the inner side and perpendicular to the lengthwise axis of the insole.
 4. An insole for a sport footwear, the insole comprising: a forefoot portion comprising a forefoot incliner for causing an about 2° to about 9° supination of a foot of a wearer, wherein a front end of the forefoot portion is dimensioned to be placed beneath a distal end of toes of the wearer wearing the insole; a midfoot portion having an arch at an underside of the insole, the arch defining a recess dimensioned to receive a protruding arch of the sport footwear; and a rearfoot portion comprising a rearfoot incliner for causing an about 2° to about 9° supination of the foot of the wearer.
 5. The insole of claim 4, wherein the forefoot incliner and the rearfoot incliner cause an about 4° to about 8° supination of the foot of the wearer.
 6. The insole of claim 4, wherein the forefoot incliner and the rearfoot incliner cause an about 6° to about 7° supination of the foot of the wearer.
 7. An insole for a sport footwear, the insole comprising: a forefoot portion comprising a forefoot incliner, wherein a front end of the forefoot portion is dimensioned to be placed beneath a distal end of toes of the wearer wearing the insole, and wherein a first thickness of the forefoot portion at a forefoot inner side at a location spaced apart from the front end is greater than a second thickness of the forefoot portion at the front end and a difference between the first thickness and the second thickness causes the forefoot portion to incline towards the front end, thereby promoting linear movement of a knee of the wearer; a midfoot portion having an arch at an underside of the insole, the arch defining a recess dimensioned to receive a protruding arch of the sport footwear; and a rearfoot portion comprising a rearfoot incliner, wherein a rearfoot inner side thickness of a rearfoot inner side of the rearfoot portion is greater than a rearfoot outer side thickness of a rearfoot outer side of the rearfoot portion; and wherein each of the forefoot portion, the midfoot portion and the rearfoot portion comprises an upper surface having an upward inclination of about 2° to about 9° along a path from an outer side of the insole to the inner side of the insole and perpendicular to a lengthwise axis of the insole.
 8. The insole of claim 7, wherein the upper surface has an upward inclination of about 4° to about 8° along the path from the outer side of the insole to the inner side of the insole and perpendicular to the lengthwise axis of the insole.
 9. The insole of claim 7, wherein the upper surface has an upward inclination of about 6° to about 7° along the path from the outer side of the insole to the inner side of the insole and perpendicular to the lengthwise axis of the insole.
 10. The insole of claim 7, wherein each of the forefoot portion, the midfoot portion and the rearfoot portion has the upper surface having the upward inclination of about 4° to about 8° along the path from the outer side of the insole to the inner side of the insole and perpendicular to a lengthwise axis of the insole.
 11. The insole of claim 7, wherein the forefoot incliner of the forefoot portion comprises an at least partially tapered portion from the inner side of the insole towards the outer side of the insole.
 12. The insole of claim 11, wherein the at least partially tapered portion of the forefoot portion is spaced apart from a front end of the insole.
 13. The insole of claim 11, wherein the at least partially tapered portion of the forefoot portion extends from the inner side of the insole to a location intermediate the inner side and the outer side.
 14. The insole of claim 1, wherein the forefoot incliner of the forefoot portion comprises a wedge provided on the underside of the insole. 15-16. (canceled)
 17. The insole of claim 14, wherein the wedge is integrally formed within the underside of the insole.
 18. (canceled)
 19. The insole of claim 1, wherein a proximal hallux portion thickness of a proximal hallux portion of the forefoot portion is greater than a distal hallux portion thickness of a distal hallux portion of the forefoot portion. 20-22. (canceled)
 23. The insole of claim 1, wherein a height of a first metatarsal portion of the midfoot portion is greater than a height of a fifth metatarsal portion of the midfoot portion.
 24. The insole of claim 1, wherein a first metatarsal height of a first metatarsal portion, a second metatarsal height of a second metatarsal portion and a third metatarsal height of a third metatarsal portion are each greater than a fifth metatarsal height of a fifth metatarsal portion of the midfoot portion.
 25. The insole of claim 1, wherein the height of the inner side of the midfoot portion is greater than a height of an inner side of the forefoot portion. 26-39. (canceled)
 40. The insole of claim 1, wherein the sport footwear is an ice skate. 41-100. (canceled) 